Town Square

UPDATE: Bail set at $350K for Schierholtz after multiple hit-and-run DUI crashes

Original post made
on Aug 2, 2010

An allegedly drunk, unlicensed driver made a total of five hit and run collisions Sunday, hitting a bicyclist, a pedestrian, a truck, a light pole, and then a Sports Utility Vehicle, according to the Danville Police Department.

If this kid didnt have a license at 23 ( ????) , how did he get back and forth from his home in Alamo to Bridges, where he worked, and why did he have access to the vehicle he was driving? WHY didn't he have a license?

We saw those 2 bicycles- and one of them was MANGLED - it looked terrible.

The witnesses said he was so " OUT OF IT" he could barely speak??

Does he have Priors? if so, his Bail is too low - that's ATTEMPTED MURDER.

Posted by daradimples
a resident of Danville
on Aug 2, 2010 at 8:24 am

Perhaps it means he didn't have his license in his possession. Sounds like he was so out of it, he wouldn't have the foresight to take it with him in the vehicle. Fortunately, on the news this morning, they said the bicycle was a lot worse off than the rider. Thank goodness things weren't a lot worse and it's really amazing they weren't.

Posted by Danville Resident
a resident of Danville
on Aug 2, 2010 at 8:40 am

I came accross this scene yesterday, while the Danville PD was doing their investigation and after seeing the badly damaged bicycle, I thought for sure this was a fatality. Amazing that no one was seriously injured.

This is sad and scary - I hope this 23 year old isn't let off the hook too easily.

I use the Danville bike lanes for cycling and sidewalks for running frequently and try to always stay alert, but there are things you can't prevent. However I will say, besides this alcohol-related event, many Danville residents still drive too fast around the neighborhoods, some texting, talking on cell phones, or busy with their cup of Starbucks and don't watch the road. Please slow down and pay attention! And thanks to those Danville people who are considerate to cyclists and runners--we appreciate it!

As someone whose life and those of my fa
ily have been devastated by a drunk and drugged driver I hope that this person is never allowed to drive again! This is definitely attempted murder and he will do this again. Whose lives will he ruin the next time?

I agree with Marjie- as someone else whose family has been devastated by a Habitual DUI Driver- who started at around the same age as this young man.

This should be charged as 4 counts of ATTEMPTED MURDER

If he was not licensed - there is a reaon - so if he had even ONE prior, he had knowledge of what his actions could result in which can qualify as Intent.

He also should not be employed in a BAR as stated above that he works at Bridges. I don't care who his brother is, or that his family is from Alamo. He needs to be prosecuted. I really hope his victims from yesterday will pursue their rights, as well , in a Civil Court.

I am just wondering where he got the car and how does he get to work? Does his mother furnish him with a car and allow him to drive without a license?
Bet he won't get in too much trouble. This was more than likely not his first driving offense. It's pretty difficult to lose you license in California. The guy from Sonoma who killed the little girl had eight prior DUIs and still had a valid license. Hope I don't see this kid the next time I dine at Bridges. [Portion removed due to disrespectful comment or offensive language]

I doubt he will be working at Bridges anymore after this. This kid needs to learn a hard lesson- he needs to do time and complete several different programs.

I hope the DA follows through on the harshest Criminal charges possible and that the people he injured all get Attorneys. Whose car was it, if not his? And who let him drive it knwoing he was unlisenced?

Posted by Danville resident
a resident of Danville
on Aug 2, 2010 at 12:25 pm

I know the Schierholtz brothers from when my children attended SRVHS. They were conscientious and hardworking students and nice kids never arrogant or having an attitude that you sometime see in top student athletes. When Canin helped coach the baseball team he did it in a way to help build character, rewarding hard work,good attitude & effort. It is fortunate no one was critically injured or killed. I hope Canin gets the help he needs if he has an alcohol problem & gets his life back on track. The fact that his brothers worked hard to begin being successful in their careers, MLB Giants & USAF Academy, is not be an issue. Conversely, I think it reflects how the boys were raised. I'm sure he sincerely regrets what he did. It's people like Lindsay Lohan that they should drop the ax on.

How nice of you to say such positive things about the whole family and make it all sound just like a silly accident . Unfortunately, even in the "good" families some kids just turn out to be rotten.
How on earth do you know that he's feeling remiorse??
[Portion removed due to disrespectful comment or offensive language]

His brother is only hitting .247 this year...I do not see the D.A. giving him any special treatment...It should not matter if his brother was an all-star and hitting over .400, he should be treated the same, no worse, no better, than anyone else who commits the same offenses...Thank god no one was seriously hurt...He should never be behind the wheel again.

Posted by My Thoughts
a resident of San Ramon Valley High School
on Aug 2, 2010 at 1:15 pm

No excuses, Cainan Schierholtz is an extremely fine young man. He obviously has made some type of mistake, something that he will now regret for the rest of his life. He is though a man of character and will face whatever difficulties head on, no doubt. As a baseball coach he stressed hard work and integrity to his players. He never held practices on Sunday because he firmly believed the day was reserved for the ballplayer and his Creator.

In my opinion his judgement was seriously impaired that morning beyond that of normal alcohol intoxication (perhaps an overdose of pain killers, etc.), as his actions are extremely far out of character.

I know that it will be difficult for people to understand my sentiments at this point in time given the description of the known scenario this past weekend, but I thank Cainan Schierholtz for everthing he has given to the community. I have learned a tremendous amount from him, about baseball, and more importantly about the proper approach to life in general.

"Come on people...lighten up! Everyone makes mistakes. You act like he killed somebody or something"

That's how it always starts. Trust me - Our family has lived with this because of a young man from a " good" family who nobody thought would end up killing someone, and it happens all the time. Hardly any first offense DUI's end up as fatalities. The local Peck family knows the pain too.

If he is such a great Christian, he will realize this was his Blessed Wakeup Call butif he is not prosecuted appropriately this time it will escalate.

Posted by My Thoughts
a resident of San Ramon Valley High School
on Aug 2, 2010 at 2:45 pm

Sarah: I have no issue with Cainan Schierholtz, nor would Cainan himself, have any issue doing jail time or whatever the law might prescribe, similar to what any other ordinary citizen in Oakland or Richmond might receive. He is an outstanding young man with an apparent alcohol problem. In you walk with your Creator have you never wandered astray, especially in your younger unmarried years.

Fine Outstanding Young Man???
According to the SF Chronicle -
The man arrested on suspicion of drunken driving in Danville after he hit a bicyclist, a pedestrian, two other vehicles and a light pole was convicted of driving under the influence when he was 17 and was involved in a crash last year. was convicted of drunken driving as a result of an incident in July 2004, according to the state Department of Motor Vehicles.

Cainan Schierholtz was involved in a crash in Plumas County in January 2009, said the DMV.

Thanks Aries for including the "Pack" family and as for Greg " you should pray that you NEVER HAVE TO FEEL THE PAIN of losing someone you love to a drunk driver. Of all the senseless, stupid things anyone can do, driving impaired is at the top. People can drink but if they get behind the wheel of a car and drive ( and no license) then it like firing a loaded weapon into the street. The fact that he did'nt kill one or more people is just luck. We have to make a stand in our communities that we will not tolerate this behavior and come down hard on anyone who cannot or will not follow our laws.

I am sorry, but a "man of character" does not hurt people and leave them to bleed while he goes off and hurts more of them. Had that been my son (he rides on Danville blvd) or husband I would not be at all interested in the fact that he is capable of playing a game well. Respectful persons of good character don't hurt other people casually and if they do so take care to remedy the situation. Also, for those who are putting religion into it, a human who respected the Sabbath in the fashion you are attributing to him would not be so drunk/stoned/what ever on a Sunday morning as this person was.

There is no excuse for this kind of behavior. Stating that he came from a good family makes the situation worse, not better.

Posted by YES, OF COURSE
a resident of Danville
on Aug 2, 2010 at 4:33 pm

Cainan Leroy Schierholtz, brother of San Francisco Giants outfielder Nate Schierholtz, was convicted of DUI as a 17-year-old in Contra Costa County in 2004, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Records also show that Cainan Schierholtz was involved in a crash in January 2009 when, according to the DMV, he drove into a "fixed object" in Plumas County. Additionally, his driver's license expired in June.

Enough- Two things- one he has had his second and third chances already...this is his THIRD arrest, however he has probably driven under the influence on other occasions but simply not been arrested. He HURT other people and he did NOT care that he did so..he hit one person, fled the scene hit another, fled the scene, etc... this does not speak of responsibilities.

As far as being a so-called Christian, I never claimed to be one. The only persons speaking of religion have been those who are defending this "upstanding, wonderful person" who apparently can play baseball.

He should be remorseful, he should be scared, he should hopefully learn to be a reasonable human being after this.

Oh come on people! My Thoughts (who apparently has few) says he's a wonderful bloke so it must be! And next month, when he's out on bail and plays with his family's hand gun or assaults a neighbor, I'm sure he'll still be a fine young fellow then too. Lighten up like Greg says!

Of course, we'll see hos fast Myndless Thoughts or Greg lighten up when Cainan kills one of their family members.

Posted by Chris
a resident of another community
on Aug 2, 2010 at 6:49 pm

Just wanted to thank the three men who stopped, confronted and held the suspect until police arrived.....I am one of those three men and have not heard a thank you from anyone....not even the cops. I am just glad that there are people out there that do the right thing. It was pretty intense not knowing if the suspect was going to ram us and run again.....was he wacked out on drugs?....did he have a gun? I didnt have the opportunity to formaly meet the other two gentlemen on the team but just wanted to thank them for going in with me....thanks for doing the right thing.

I too believe and know Cainan is a good young man with a terrible disease. Having that disease does not excuse his behavior at all but , having worked in the drug and alcohol field for many years now, I do know that people can blackout and be so intoxicated they do not know what they are doing, as I think is true in this case. Never, ever would he knowingly run over people , I say knowingly, and continue on. They say he was barely coherant when they stopped him. Again this doesn't excuse his behavior but lets not villify him as a heartless monster out for blood, that is not true..he is a severly sick 23 year old kid with an illness, believe it or not. I know that does not soothe those that have lost loved ones to drunk drivers , it wouldn't me, but never the less it is a fact that alcoholism is a disease. Thankfully no one was killed and I hope that he gets the help he needs and I know he will serve whatever time he has too. This has nothing to do with his brother, leave him out of it. I agree, folks must've known he was driving without a license, he had a prior when he was a minor and an accident not noted as a DUI so lets keep our facts straight and not allow our anger to turn this into a witch hunt! Forgivness and compassion are two of the most Christian traits one can live by , lets not forget nor allow this to pass unprosectuted or too lightly but lets try to live with forgivness and compassion.

Posted by a mom in Alamo
a resident of Alamo
on Aug 3, 2010 at 7:09 am

Chris....THANK YOU for YOUR courage, level-headedness and protection. You should be appreciated and not overlooked. When these horrible things happen, it should give us all hope that with the one criminal....there were three "good guys" to stop him.

I know Cainan personally and know him as a very kind person. He unfortunately has a problem with alcohol which has impared his judgement terribly.

I hope they come down hard on him, but in this day and in the State of california, unfortunately that will not happen. This sort of situation will continue on and on as long as there are inadequate penalties for such offenders.

Chris...did you do this to get a thank you? Would you have done the same had you known that you and the "team" would not be thanked? Please...get over yourself. Hope that you did this out of the kindness of your heart and to protect others in the neighborhood from somebody else getting hurt.

I hope that all of the victims recover well, and are compensated, via Cainan, for their problems. I also wish Cainan the strength to recover from his problems!

Posted by danville resident
a resident of Danville
on Aug 3, 2010 at 8:25 am

Cainan needs to accept what punishment is delivered to him and deal with it. I have meet Nate several times and I am sure he would not like his brother to have preferential treatment. Might be a good opportunity for Nate to get involved with some "drunk driving programs" as a spokesman and try to make something positive out of all this.

Those who say that Cainan is a wonderful human who simply suffers from a disease and is being unfairly accused, specifically "my thoughts" and Greg, what do you think is fair? Should we simply say we like his family, he can play a game well and so everything he does is golden? If he is so beloved with such great family and friends, why has he not been receiving treatment? This is a KNOWN problem for him, you don't get a DUI at 17 without your family being aware of that. Why was he not receiving help already, why do his friends/family whine about second chances and treatment only AFTER he is in serious legal trouble and has hurt other people?
It sounds to me as though his supporters do not actually see anything wrong as long as it is one of "theirs" who does this.

I wonder if the attitude of these bleeding hearts would be any different if the cyclist or the pedestrian had been killed or maimed. It wasn't his fault they weren't. Some people just learn slower than others and require more stringent punishment to get the point across. Lets hope
this is his wake up call. Obviously the two prior convictions were not!

I would like to thank the men who stepped up to help and stopped Cainan from continuing on his rampage. If they didn't who knows what else could of happened. As for the victims, my heart goes out them, this can't be easy. Not only were they hurt physically, but they will also suffer emotionally. Once again to much emphasis is focused on the Perpetrator and not the Victims.

Simply stated, there are a number of serious felonies here. Justice needs to be fair and blind and if convicted he should do the appropriate prison time. Place of
Residence and family have no part in this matter.

Posted by Marjie
a resident of Greenbrook Elementary School
on Aug 3, 2010 at 9:04 am

I only wish that one of the many drivers who saw the woman who killed Troy and Alana had gotten involved when they saw her driving erractically down Sycamore barely able to hold her head up. It takes a huge amount of courage to do what Craig and the others did!!! Thank you for taking such a big risk and stopping him from from doing more harm.

I find is scary that every supporter of this person keeps using word "christian" in their posts. Are we in some hicktown in Texas??
Stop mixing religion and criminal offenses. Would it be safe to
assume that these same people would be out like a lynch-mob if the
driver was from Oakland and of a different race???

The amount of support this person is getting in the name of church is
scary. Stop this unless you mean to suggest that "good christian"
means not playing baseball on Sundays and instead getting drunk and driving and hitting people with cars at 10am.

Once again -- this has nothing to do with any religion. So stop using the name of a good religion to try to save this criminal.

What bar was serving him? Does anyone know where he starting his drinking binge. So many resteraunts let employees drink after closing - check out what "fine" Danville establishment was serving......However, it does not change the fact that he was drunk driving and was LUCKY no one was killed. Hopefully he will get the help he needs. Another note: who were his "friends/family" who would let him drive when he was so wasted? Shame on ANYONE who was with him.

No where in any of the "supporters" comments , as Sam has stated, has anyone suggested that he "simply suffers from alcoholism" or "has been unfairly accused". That has not been stated anywhere! Obviously many of you have never dealt with someone who is an addict..perhaps he has received treatement in the past, treatement and the willingness to accept that treatment is up to the addict not their family, no amount of love, nagging, threats ect can make an addict quit so continuing to hold his family in some responsibility is unfair. They have to want too change and unfortunately even situations like this can be overpowered by the addiction and that is why..he should do serious time, he should not have a lisence for many , many years to come, he should get mandatory long term addiction treatment . I get the feeling many of you might like a public stoning in the Danville Towne Center but we live in America not Iraq so.... Additonally I know of no bars that are open at 10am on Sunday..chances are he was drinking with "friends" or alone. 23 is a very young age to have your entire Life defined . People can and do change and make amends and go on to be productive citizens..lets hope this is true for Cainan.

I wondered about that...I would be so angry and devastated of course...I have in no way advocated to "go easy" on him anywhere at all..I'm just saying lets see this for what it is a sad, sad situation for all involved, an addicted, young man who I'm sure hates himself right now as much if not way more than you all do and who needs to be punished severely. He is not a blood thirsty monster who deliberatly ran people over on a manhunt thru Danville. On the flip side how would we all feel if this were our young 23 year old son..hoping for the public to attempt to see the other side perhaps, not forgive now nor condone just walk with some compassion or try too.

Grace- actually Greg told us to "lighten up" and don't worry about it.
My Thoughts told us that he was from a good family, a baseball coach and our Creator wants us to give him another chance...Three are not enough??? Speaking of which "enough" said that Cainan should "hang in there" and people were hypocritical Christians for expressing outrage at his behavior. I agree with Alamo, the only professed Christian commentators on this board are those who are defending their poor little lamb.

Actually, I don't want to stone him. However, his behavior is totally unacceptable. There is NO excuse for what he did. Drink until you die of alcohol poisoning, if that is your choice. Don't go out and hurt other people because you are a selfish pig. He not only drove under the influence (and he knows that is illegal because he has had to face legal consequences for that TWICE before) but he didn't have the decency to stop and see if he killed someone, instead he fled. He valued his own worthless hide more then those he hurt....Seems to me that is not very Christian. Shouldn't a good Christian at least stopped and provided comfort to the dying? No one died, but that is something that was not clear at the time.

Twenty-three is an adult. We sent MEN to war, we execute them for their crimes, we expect them to be solid citizens by then. He is not a boy and yes it is a shame that is life is ruined. Perhaps he should have taken some care to prevent this. BTW, did he ever do anything after High School? Did he go to college? Did he get a real job? Did he do volunteer work? Help others? Or did he just life off his family, play baseball, work at an unskilled job? Did he have any respect for rules or did they not apply to him because he was so "special".... an athlete from a good family...the exact stereotype that makes the rest of the world loath the Danville/Alamo kids...

If my son, whom I love dearly, hurt people while repeating a mistake he had made twice before, I would leave him in jail. He also would not have had access to a car if he were living with me, as he obviously can not be trusted
I can only speak for myself but I am very very tired of the usual spiel given by relatives of criminals. Whether the subject in question is a spoiled, white boy from Alamo or a welfare supported black boy from Oakland their families always say they were wonderful, turning their life around(if a prior record exists), needed a chance, show compassion. What has happened with the showing compassion is that no one is ever responsible for anything they do. They were influence by the evils of ....fill in the blank. This makes a horrible society. I believe in free will. That has consequences. If you choose to do harm you in turn choose to pay the price.
I get that you all like this family...So what? Unless you would provide the same understanding to someone you didn't like or perhaps feared, you are a hypocrite and perhaps a racist?

Sam you obviously know only one thing about this person, what you've read or seen on TV. Plenty of alocoholics we all know went to College , hold a professional job (in fact one could be your Dr.)and volunteer or participate in countless other "good works" . This infomation is irrelevant, alcoholics come in all shapes , sizes, income levels ect. You are so angry and unable to contemplate the other side at all, which makes me sad for you. No one here is advocating any type or hint of "letting him off the hook" or easy treatment. Once again one can only stop to lend assistance when they know they've hit someone, based on the reoprts of how incoherant he was when pulled from the car there is a very good chance he had no idea what hit was a person and if he did his rational mind was not in control..not an excuse..just a fact. I am sad for all involved here and whether you buy it or not ..it takes NO responsibility from Cainan but he is also a victim...a victim of his disease like it or not..fact.

and I would give that same understanding to someone I didn't like or feared. Many people have difficulty accepting or believing alocoholism is a disease and until you have dealt with a child, loved one, co-worker ect with this issue you really don't know didley of what you speak..again not to take away blame or responsibility..just to see the whole story.

How is anyone making fun of him? All that is being said is that his behavior is unacceptable. Being from a "good family" does not excuse it. Grace is going on about alcoholism being beyond someone's control and that no one but she has any idea of what it entails. She has no way of knowing whether anyone has dealt with it or not. Actually, personal experience left me with a true lack of respect for this self inflicted sin. Cancer is a disease, diabetes is a disease. Alcoholism is a self inflicted choice that impairs your ability to function. It can be controlled by the person who chooses to drink. That is the whole theory behind AA...

Why do some of you have a problem with the statement that this kind of behavior is a danger to the public and as such is simply not acceptable? It is not okay. People have a right to be out and about on a Sunday morning without fear. When someone makes that impossible they must be prevented from harming others. That is the entire purpose of a society. Several persons have noted that losing a family member or close friend because someone CHOSE to perform a dangerous activity while impaired (drugs, booze, it doesn't matter) truely changes your opinion on this subject. It makes you not very concerned with someone who chooses to hurt others. There was absolutely no valid reason for this situation to occur. The driver was sober enough to start the vehicle, he was sober enough to flee the scene, he is a threat to the well being of society. That is a fact. It is not wrong to point that out. I reserve my sympathy for the victims in this situation. Have we had any updates on their condition?

It's SOOO typical that those around the Alcoholic will defend him by just saying he is a "good person".

The ACTIONS this young man took Sunday are not those of a GOOD PERSON. GOOD PEOPLE do not mow down innocent people in the street.

Bottom Line is HE HAS PRIORS, he probably atteneded some Court Ordered classes at some point- so he has proven knowledge of the circumstances of his actions.

What he did on Sunday is most definitely ATTEMPTED MURDER..whether he MEANT to or not, he was illegally operating a vehicle and he INJURED people....He may as well have been shooting off a GUN.

If he indeed has " a disease" ( which I am so sick of hearing - people with REAL diseases who are on certain medications know better than to drive under their influence) then he shold be well versed in it, and know that Alcoholism and Crappy Behavior are CHOICES.

Posted by srvhs
a resident of San Ramon Valley High School
on Aug 3, 2010 at 3:17 pm

Reading all of these notes I see two basic sides:

1) Alcoholism is a disease and as such the person in question is a victim who deserves understanding and compassion.
Those who do not agree that the person in question is not a Good Person who made a mistake are stupid/evil/mean/bad Christians
People who we like or fit into our definition of "good people" are entitled to be judged by different standards then those who we do not like.

....
As an aside, Forum Monitor(??) what exactly does Sam not get? It seems to me that he has a different definition of disease/responsibility then you do. However, he is not the one using personal attacks rather then discussion to make a point.

2) The person in question chose to drive while impaired and created an unsafe environment by his actions.
People are responsible for their actions, whether we like them or not, whether they live in Alamo or not or whether they are Christian White Males or not
People who have been arrested two times previously for the same offense should be aware of their problem and plan accordingly.

To say that Schierholtz is not a good person is completely unfair. Does he deserve the maximum punishment for this horrible incident that he is 100% responsible for??? YES he does. Is Schierholtz a bad person because of his mistakes??? NO. The fact of the matter is that this guy has a serious problem and needs to address it immediately...after he does his time.

To call it attempted murder and to say that he might as well have been shooting off a gun is just ludicrous. Alcoholism IS a disease...not that that is an excuse...but comparing Alcoholism to any other disease and saying that he should know when not to drive makes no sense and shows how intelligent you really are Aries.

The fact of the matter is that Schierholtz deserves to be punished within the highest extent of the law...and that he has a problem and needs treatment.

Posted by Reality Check
a resident of Danville
on Aug 3, 2010 at 4:26 pm

From a person who knew the other side of Cainan. He was a drunk and a punk. Kids always try to look their best in front of their peers, but behind the scene is a different story. The things I've witnessed from him might change the tune from his supporters, if not, you're just as ignorant as the others. He was an individual who sometimes would be the drunkest at a bar, jumping a kid/kids in high school, and picking fights with others. I have no such sympathy for a little boy (doesnt deserve the title of 'man') that's brings all of this onto himself. For those that were with him that morning, you are just as guilty. Who the hell gets that drunk 10am Sunday morning? Get a life Danville kids. You're giving others a terrible name.

I've known Cainan since high school and "Reality Check" has it pretty close. All of this exceptional young man talk is not entirely true, often mean spitied and thuggish equally apply. He was more than kind of a jerk, and I'm not shocked by what happened at all, and I'm sure glad no one was killed. Good job to those that held him until the cops arrived. Another unaccountable spoiled boy.

I can see some of what Reality Check and Working have said as being true, no doubt there was a dark side there, spoiled? I don't think so. Troubled, unhappy, angry with a severe drinking problem, yes. I am just hoping this situation is enough to allow him to really see and decide that this is not the life he wants for himself in the end...he may not...some never do...lets just hope for his and everyone elses sake he sees it.

Posted by Reality Check
a resident of Danville
on Aug 3, 2010 at 6:35 pm

I also want to add, thank god that everyone survived, surprisingly. And that none of the injuries were life threatening, surprisingly. And yes, I'm glad Cainan is ok. I never wish harm on others. I agree that attempted murder is a little ridiculous. I think the worst that he could have been charged with, if someone was killed, would have been vehicular manslaughter. If that was the case, then he should have gotten that. But that wasn't the case thank god. I do hope justice is served accordingly, although the likely out come will probably be some kind of plea bagain that is seen time after time. I just hope that they do make an example of some sort, because an example needs to be made to hopefully "wake up" others that drink and drive. A young life is ruined for now, but hopefully he can make a stride for the better, he must. In Danville, kids growing up here are given an amazing opportunity to succeed in life, a life that others who aren't as fortunate would die for. Honestly, it's a shame to see some of the youth here, take it for granted, some of them "trust fund babies" (not saying he's one of them). My point being, at some point, we all have to grow up and take advantage of every opportunity our parents have given us and do good with it. I want to read stories on the front page of heroism (like "Sully"), rather than another Danville kid doing something stupid. It's because of stories like this, we get the wrong stereotype. It would be nice to hear more good things than bad coming from our community. I've said my peace, take it how you want, at some point we have to be accountable for our own actions, no excuses. This includes all ages.

Aries you said something true "there are plenty of functional alocholics that don't drink and drive". I would bet money on the fact that those folks have had incidents in the past they learned from, learned from someone elses bad decision (like some folks may from Cainans , lets hope), have gotten away with all kinds of near misses over the years and have become "wiser" in that they don't drink and drive. You would be amazed and aghast at how many people,that are not even alcoholics, young and old, still drive drunk in this day and age. I would put money based on my knowledge and some of the information posted here by peers that know Cainan that this young man is not a "functional alcoholic" . There are a multitude of types of alcoholics. Most don't drink until they are almost dead or blind with intoxication, sounds like that was Cainans m.o. Allowed to get away with it though I don't understand? We live in a country of laws, they may not seem fair or just in some cases but they are our laws put up by the folks we elect and so what would have been a fitting penatly when he was 16 and how do we know he wasn't penalized as severly as a 16 year old could be and the other incident I have found no where that it sates it was a DUI , information states an accident , I've been involved in an accident in the last 6 years, I would imagine some others have aswell. I am angry at drunk drivers, it is a selfish thing to do that kills people. Spoiled , punk, rich kid we don't know that to be true. Now this will piss folks off but, no doubt he will come out some day to our society and after how ever many years in prison need to assimilate into our wolrd ,I'd think he'd have a much better chance of re-entering after a long, long stint at a treatement/correction center with intensive psychotherapy ect than in prison with a bunch of thugs, robbers and theives, It is a statistical fact that most folks that go to prision are not rehabilitated. So in the end we are back with an angry , young man who is more disturbed, shamefull and hopeless than when he entered prison. It's a tough one.

Greg, I am curious how it is you know the reason a Danville police officer pulled someone over? Maybe there was another violation that your 25-year veteran eyes didn't see? Your attitude about this Cainan incident and about the Danville Police Dept SCREAMS to me that you never were a police officer, much less in Oakland. Maybe you were an Oakland metermaid who couldn't get hired as a cop, for good reason, and you are simply bitter?

Posted by Danville resident
a resident of Danville
on Aug 3, 2010 at 7:46 pm

There is a huge double standard in this area. How does a 17 yr old get a DUI & become an alcoholic by 23yr old? The complacency and even acceptance of underage drinking by parents in our community is shocking! Most male students @ SRVHS & MVHS will be drinking alcohol by the time they are Juniors even more so among the athletes. This is the rule, not the exception. Fathers will offer their sons an occasional beer or I will often hear statements like "It's OK as long as they don't drive", "I rather have them drink at home then go off somewhere", "It's not like they're doing drugs" or "I trust him, he's different, he can handle it." It is attitudes like this that contribute to DUI incidents among our young people. I am not making excuses for Canin but we need to do more to prevent incidents like this. Hopefully most young men will be lucky enough to have the support they need, have responsible friends and be strong enough to face the crisis in their lives without resorting to alcoholism but why make it a habit to reach for so early in life?

Posted by charles
a resident of another community
on Aug 3, 2010 at 7:52 pm

First of all Cainan is like a brother to me and is my best friend. All of you can talk all the crap you want about him, none of you even know him. If you want to know who this is it's Charles . I'm sure a lot of you know who i am. All of you keep commenting on what happened when none of you even know the truth about what actually happened. So it would be nice if all of you shut your mouth's until he goes to court so you can find out what actually happened that morning. Cainan was an amazing guy and did a lot of good deeds. So all of you should just shut your mouths since you have nothing better to do than to talk crap about Cainan. He will get a second chance sorry to all of you who dont think he will. So go back to your rich ass danville lives and quit talking crap about cainan especially when i see half of you idiots down at the same bars that Cainan goes to barely able to speak english because your completely intoxicated. And for all of you to bring up his family they had nothing to do with this. Cainan lived on his own so keep there names out of your mouth. So why dont you all find something better to do when this has absolutly nothing to do with you! Get a life!

So Charles, Cainan didn't run over a bicyclist, a pedestrian, and hit a couple of vehicles? It was all a misunderstanding? He wasn't drunk at all? You're everything wrong with your generation. I'd love to see your rapsheet. If the glove don't fit, you must aquitt right?

Charles-
Rather then telling people to shut up about him because he is your friend, why do you not enumerate his good deeds? Demonstrate WHY we should ignore the situation. Incidently, when you create a dangerous situation it does become the public's business. If you wish to be a private person, you need to behave. When one is arrested it is a matter of public record. When you hurt other people, it effects society. I appreciate that you like your friend, however, if you wish to defend him you need to do more then yell at people to shut up...Explain why, specifically, you do not believe he was driving while drunk, did he not hit anyone? Did he indeed stop and check to see if he had hurt anyone? Did he not flee the scene? If you have facts that would change the opinion being formed, please share them. It would help his reputation.

Posted by To Mr. Chuckee Cheese
a resident of San Ramon
on Aug 3, 2010 at 9:14 pm

Srvhs, don't use big words like "enumerate." Charles doesn't know wut that means. Trust me, if I was in deep [Portion removed]. Charles would be the last person I would want backing me up with his history. Sadly there are only two things that 2 Buck Chuck can offer to his homeboy, loyalty, which we can applaud. The other being stupidity, which apparently they both have in common. So Chucky, if u want to help ur friend, the best thing u could do for him would be to keep ur mouth shut. U of all people have no room to talk, your word means absolutely NOTHING.

Posted by Oakland A's Fan
a resident of Danville
on Aug 3, 2010 at 9:16 pm

Charles: How does this "have nothing to do with us"? He was out of his mind, plowing into bike riders and pedestrians and vehicles, on one of the busiest streets in OUR TOWN. This, obviously, was not the first time he drove drunk on OUR STREETS, but hopefully will be the last.

Posted by Pedal Power
a resident of Danville
on Aug 3, 2010 at 11:41 pm

Friends don't let friends drive drunk.

It is nice, in a way, to see so many vociferous supporters of this repeat drunk driver but it would be much better for all concerned if they could learn to speak out BEFORE the fact by saying things like:
"Hey man, you're wasted, let me give you a ride home"
"Dude, give me those car keys, you can sleep on the couch"
"Forget the booze, lets play cards".

Derek- REALLY? Because cainan drove drunk and made the biggest mistake of his life, you are going to go on and say that he is going to play with a gun and maybe assault his neighbor? Give me a freaking ass break. That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard...ever. For those of you that are calling him spoiled, you are perfect examples of judging this kid soley on what you read. His family may live in Alamo but that gives you no right to assume he is spoiled, because he is not, by any means. Watching the news I would be livid if I did not know him. I am absolutely disgusted in what he did and how he hurt people. If I didn't know him I would want to bash him just like all of you. But I do know him, so that makes this situation completely different. As I bet it would if this happened to one of your friends. I hope everyone recovers 100% and I know for a fact that he is SO remorseful for what he has done, and will pay for it. Trust me, even if he read all these posting, he is still harder on himself than any of you could ever be. He is a fantastic young man, with a great heart who needs to, and will pay for what he has done. Thank GOD everyone is okay.
p.s some of you need to put a cork in it...this seems to be taking up your lives...? I'm just saying

I'm with you Lexi! Cainan is a great guy in so many ways. Those of us that know and love him need to continue to support, not what he did, but him personally. Like I said earlier 23 is way too young too have your whole life defined. Trash talking him and slandering him changes nothing nor helps. He will pay for what he's done.

Ah -- it appears that a new squadron of "Cainan Supporters" have arrived. They are no longer talking about "good Christian" but seem to be "San Ramon High School Community" (i.e., his drinking buddies?).

Listen to the facts -- the guy hit four different people/objects. He was coherent enough to know that if he got caught in the condition he was, he would be in serious trouble. He KNEW that he might have killed someone -- which is he tried to escape so desperately. He was also COHERENT enough that when he got locked on a deadend street and a huge (good samaritan) truck was blocking his way, the only way he could escape was by ramming through the truck. He realized at that time that if he tried that HIS LIFE would be in danger. Only when his life was in danger, he stopped. So he WAS COHERENT ENOUGH to know what he was doing. He was not coherent enough to drive. But given that he was self-aware, he was coherent enough to know that he was not in a condition to drive.

Enough said - the crook knew what he was doing. Stop with the "incoherent" (or he did not know if he hit anyone) defense. And I don't care if he is good christian or a good lad (which many are disputing already). And putting up all you friends to defend you (or maybe it is just one person posting as multiple people?) is not going to help.

Once again -- hats off to those that stopped him. And thank God that no one was seriously hurt.

Alamo- first of all he is not religious, so you can all get over the christian bullshit. Also, were you in the car with him...I'm surprised to hear that it sounds like you just know EXACTLY what happened and what he was thinking. And, no, I am not a "drinking buddy" nor went to san ramon high. Believe it or not, he does have a lot of family and friends that care about him and support him. I do not support what he did, by any means...but I will support him. I have no tolerance for drunk driving....but when this happens to someone you care about....i'd like to see what you have to say then. Everyone is ok, and he will pay for this. Done and done.